Journaling

[JustKeepTrying]

I made a little discovery tonight

I make no secret that I journal almost every day. For me it's a word vomit emotional dump where I bleed on the page and hold nothing back. Nothing. I have made some startling connections in my journal and I am grateful for the tool

But tonight, hampered as I am by leg, I didn't want to get out of bed and wheel through my place looking for my laptop so I could do some emergency anxiety journaling (going on my first coffee date in 35 years).  So used my phone and instead of tiring my thumbs, I recorded myself with text to speech. Who cares how good it looks right?  I have to say it was a different experience. Like talking to a friend. After several minutes I felt enormous relief and again made several connections that I didn't notice before

So if you are into journaling, or tried and didn't like it, try the text to speech. It may surprise you

And for those wondering, yes it's my first date from an internet site and I'm doing it safely and will be on crutches but I am choosing to look at this as practice talking to strangers since I've been cooped up for the better part of two years. Six weeks camping not withstanding. What is the worst that could happen?  I don't like him but still get a good cup of coffee.

[notrightinthehead]

Looking forward to your report about this adventure.

[square]

My hat is off to you, and great discovery about text to speech. I might try that sometime if I'm ever alone.

[JustKeepTrying]

For those interested, or thinking about trying to date again, here is my discovery.

I had coffee with a gentleman today.  I set my alarm on my phone to go off and warn me at 45 min.  We met at a coffee shop and I told him upfront I had an appointment at 11 - which I did.  I also texted a friend before and after.  All to keep safe.  Please remember, I have not been on a date since 1985. 

Last night I almost called it off - I just wanted to vomit and hide under the covers.  But I went and had a pleasant conversation with a nice man.  It was nice to not feel any kind of judgment or anything - I walked my talk and was honest and real and authentic - so if he likes me it's for me.  He asked what I wanted and I was honest in replying - "I don't know."

But back to the main part, I did it.  I had a conversation with a stranger where I didn't divulge too much too soon; I wasn't anxious or nervy; I was confident and felt good about my appearance, and just basically behaved like a regular human on a regular date.  Not bad for this old broad.

And seriously folks, if you can find a place to be by yourself (I get that square) - try the text to speech and talk into your journal like a friend.

[Andeza]

Okay, I'm proud of an internet stranger again. Y'all keep doing that around here.

Good for you, JustKeepTrying! I'm glad you were able to enjoy your coffee date, and I'm glad the speech to text function is serving you well. My brain connects significantly better with the written word vs spoken, but I'm almost willing to bet good money there's a lot of folks around here that would benefit from this method of journaling.

[Stillirise]

This is so great! All of it!!

I am going to try the text to speech journal now, to see if I like it.  Years ago, as part of my job, I verbally dictated my notes for awhile.  I think they were probably more nuanced and thorough than what I use now.  I've never tried it for personal use!

Congratulations on getting yourself out there.  I have yet to be brave enough to meet a total stranger.  So far, the few dates, and one new relationship I've had were with acquaintances, in one way or another.  I have been thinking maybe it's time to meet someone who has no preconceived notions about me at all.

You're taking such brave and bold steps, and like Andeza, I'm so proud!

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DAMN, GIRL

[escapingman]

 

[losingmyself]

Yay for you!!!

[Lauren17]

I am so impressed!
Yay, you!!